ovember is here and the new month brings us new menus, newly released wines, and a whole harvest of reasons to celebrate fall and all its seasonal ingredients.

If you’ve eaten too much Halloween candy, it’s probably time for some real food. Fortunately you can get some guidance as The Food Network’s Celebrity Chef Christine Cushing is in town to launch her new book, Pure Food. Check her out at Well Seasoned in Langley on Sunday, November 4, at Books to Cooks on Monday, November 5, and West Van’s Tools and Techniques on Tuesday, November 6. A quick read and you’ll be healthy in no time.

If you’re sick of Paris and are looking to visit a quieter French region, head to Fourth Avenue’s
Bistro Pastis for their regional Sud Ouest classics. Chef Frederick Haut Labourdette is whipping up a three-course Southwest tasting menu from November 2-29. Think seafood, duck, lamb, veal and roasted brioche. A glass of Bordeaux and you’re transported. Viva la France!

Italian flavours can be easily found by taking a journey downtown to Robson Street’s
CinCin. In November they are celebrating “Festa Del Fungo,” their annual mushroom and truffle festival. Chef Mark Perrier will transform local Chanterelle, porcini, lobster, oyster, maitake and pine mushrooms from mere fungus into amazing culinary delights. Don’t miss this chance to order up your risotto or gnocchi topped French black truffles ($16/4g) or the rare White Alba’s ($48/4g). You’ll soon want your own truffle pig.